Check your PFD often for rips, tears and holes. Also check to see that seams, fabric straps and hardware are okay. Give your PFD belts and tie tapes a quick, hard pull to make sure they are secure. You should find no signs of waterlogging, mildew odor or shrinkage of the buoyant materials.

If your PFD uses bags of kapok (a naturally buoyant material), gently squeeze the bag to check for air leaks. If it leaks, it should be thrown away. Wet kapok can get stiff or waterlogged and lose some of its buoyancy.

Fading material could indicate loss of strength. A weathered PFD might tear more easily, resulting in loss of flotation material. Store your PFD in a dry, cool, dark place. If the color of your PFD is fading, check its strength or replace it.

Test each PFD at the start of each season. The law says your PFD’s must be in good shape before you use your boat. PFD’s in poor shape should be cut up and thrown away

70% of all boating fatality accidents result from drowning.
Almost 90% of those who drown are not wearing a life jacket!